Experts highlight policy challenges for new Govt. at Pathfinder Foundation event

The distinguished audience attentively listens to the virtual address by Prof. Premachandra Athukorala

The distinguished audience, including esteemed diplomatic representatives, actively participates in the event

The main speakers deliver their insightful presentations, engaging the audience with their expertise. From left: UGC former Chairman and Ambassador to the Philippines Prof. Gamini Samaranayaka, Senior Economic Advisor to the President Dr. R.H.S. Samarathunga, Pathfinder Foundation Chairman Amb. (Retd.) Bernard Goonetilleke, University of Colombo Emeritus Professor of Economics Prof. Sirimal Abeyratne, and Pathfinder Foundation Executive Director Dr. Dayaratna Silva

The distinguished audience, comprising local academia, institutional representatives, and subject matter experts, engages in thoughtful discussions

The Pathfinder Foundation successfully concluded its Fourth Dialogue with Diplomats, focusing on ‘Policy Challenges of a New Government.’ 

The event, held in Colombo, brought together a distinguished audience featuring heads of diplomatic missions and senior diplomats based in Colombo, representatives of leading think tanks, academics and subject experts. A panel of esteemed experts provided valuable insights that fostered a meaningful discussion and understanding of the subject.

The panel that presented their views included Australian National University, Canberra Arndt-Corden Department of Economics Professor of Economics Emeritus Prof. Premachandra Athukorala, Senior Economic Advisor to the President Dr. R.H.S. Samarathunga, University of Colombo Emeritus Professor of Economics Prof. Sirimal Abeyratne, and UGC former Chairman and Ambassador to the Philippines Prof. Gamini Samaranayaka.

The dialogue explored the multifaceted policy challenges a new Sri Lankan government must address. Key discussion topics included the long-term structural issues and short-term policy missteps that led to the current economic crisis growth-enhancing reform programme needed for economic recovery and to elevate the country into a sustainable growth trajectory. 

One of the central themes was the Economic Transformation Bill, which is currently being debated in Parliament, with consensus among the panellists regarding the need to pursue a well-coordinated reform package regardless of the government in power. The discussion also emphasised the need to establish an investment-friendly environment through sound policies and regulations and develop an export-oriented economy. They noted that this remains a significant challenge for any new administration.

The engagement and expertise of the panellists, coupled with the audience’s active participation, made the event a notable success. The dialogue underscored the importance of informed policy-making and collaborative efforts in addressing the economic challenges facing Sri Lanka.

The Pathfinder Foundation said it continues to play a key role in facilitating such discussions, contributing to shaping policies that aim to direct the nation toward a sustainable and prosperous future.